Soybeans compensate at low seeding rates but not at high thinning rates

Cox, WJ; Cherney, JC; Shields, E

HERO ID

10285537

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

HERO ID 10285537
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Soybeans compensate at low seeding rates but not at high thinning rates
Authors Cox, WJ; Cherney, JC; Shields, E
Journal Agronomy Journal
Volume 102
Issue 4
Page Numbers 1238-1243
Abstract Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed costs have more than tripled, so high seeding rates are expensive insurance against poor emergence associated with planting conditions or pest damage to established plant stands. Drilled soybeans (0.19 m spacing) were evaluated in New York (NY) in 2006 and 2007 at three seeding (358,000; 469,000; and 580,000 seeds ha−1) and four thinning rates (0, 10, 25, and 50% at the sixth node stage) to determine if yields can be maintained at lower seeding rates. Soybean plants responded linearly to seeding rates with 20% more grams of biomass, 0.9 more side branches, 21% more pods, and 21% more seeds plant−1 at 358,000 seeds ha−1 vs. the recommended 469,000 seeds ha−1 (21.1 g, 1.4 side branches, 30.6 pods, and 70.1 seeds plant−1), resulting in similar biomass accumulation (∼555 g m−2) during seed development (∼R5 stage), pod density (817 vs. 805 m−2), and seed density (1883 vs. 1816 m−2, respectively). Seeds pod−1 (∼2.30) and seed mass (∼170 mg) did not vary and all seeding rates yielded similarly (∼3.1 Mg ha−1). Thinning rates resulted in linear reductions in biomass accumulation and pod density with no effect on seeds pod−1 or seed mass. Thinning reduced yields linearly (3.3 Mg ha−1 for no-thinning and 2.8 Mg ha−1 for 50% thinning). Seeding by thinning rate interactions were not observed so plant density reductions after stand establishment posed no greater risk at lower seeding rates. Growers who drill soybeans in the northeastern United States should consider lower seeding rates.
Doi 10.2134/agronj2010.0047
Wosid WOS:000280030300021
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English